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Garten: Health Care Cost Oversight Task Force to hold first meeting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kellyn Harrison, Press Secretary
kellyn.harrison@iga.in.gov
317-232-9498

Garten: Health Care Cost Oversight Task Force to hold first meeting

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 16, 2023) — The Health Care Cost Oversight Task Force will hold its first meeting in the Senate Chamber Wednesday, Aug. 23 at 1:30 p.m., said State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown), chair of the task force.

Established by House Enrolled Act 1004, which Garten sponsored during the 2023 legislative session, the Health Care Cost Oversight Task Force will review and make recommendations concerning:

  • Indiana's health care costs in comparison to other states;
  • Reductions in health care costs with the goal of ensuring that any cost reductions reach the health care payer;
  • The availability of value-based care and other health care models that emphasize prevention and cost avoidance; and
  • The availability of health care providers and contributing factors, including whether noncompete clauses restrain trade and promote greater competition in the health workforce.

"Hoosiers are spending too much of their hard-earned money on health care as Indiana's hospitals continue to charge some of the highest prices in the nation. Senate Republicans remain committed to addressing the real need for affordable health care, which directly correlates with a healthy workforce and increased quality of life," Garten said. "HEA 1004 was a significant step in the right direction to achieving that, and this task force will further consider policy and improvements relating to Indiana's health care costs for the next legislative session. This will include a deep dive into the market share of our state's hospital and insurance space."

Senate Republicans prioritized lowering the cost of health care during the 2023 legislative session by requiring 'site of service' transparency, prohibiting non-compete clauses in large hospitals, reducing prescription drug prices, working to increase the quality of services offered by local health departments and promoting intrastate collaboration with the Indiana Department of Health.

"Our state remains committed to improving Hoosiers' access to high quality health care, but there is still more to do, especially when it comes to ensuring affordability," Garten said. "We simply need to do better, and the Health Care Cost Oversight Task Force will not shy away from tacking this issue."

To view the Health Care Cost Oversight Task Force's schedule and agenda, click here.

Visit iga.in.gov to view other committee schedules and agendas or to stream study committee meetings.

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State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) represents Senate District 45,
which includes Clark County and portions of Floyd County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.